Carr, Leroy b. March 7, 1905 d. April 29, 1935 Blues Musician. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, he was singer, songwriter and pianist whose laid-back, crooning technique was one of the most influential styles of the first half of the 20th century. In Chicago, his first record "How Long Blues" (1928), was marketed as vibrant black pop music and had a revolutionary effect on artist such as Nat king Cole and Ray Charles. Although his recording career was cut short by an early death, he left behind a large body of work in his blues recordings. His...[Read More] (Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith) Floral Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA
Charleston, Oscar McKinley b. October 14, 1896 d. October 5, 1954 Hall of Fame Professional Baseball Player. He played professionally for 33 years for the Indianapolis ABCs, Chicago American Giants, Homestead Grays, and several other Negro League teams. Charleston started out as a pitcher-outfielder while serving with the US 24th Infantry Division in the Philippines, and after World War I he played in the Cuban winter leagues against many Major League ballplayers. He hit five home runs in a five-game exhibition series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Over...[Read More] (Bio by: Rick France) Cause of death: Heart attack Floral Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA
Judy, Steven Timothy b. May 24, 1956 d. March 9, 1981 Murderer. He raped and killed 21 year-old Terry Lee Chasteen and then murdered her three children, Misty (age 5), Steven (age 4) and Mark (age 2). Approximately two hours later, mushroom hunters discovered the bodies of Terry Lee Chasteen and her daughter, Misty, in the shallow waters of White Lick Creek. They notified the police, who immediately searched the creek and discovered the bodies of the two boys 100 yards downstream. After his arrest, Judy proved to be a cold, calculating killer...[Read More] (Bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson) Cause of death: Executed Floral Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA
Packard, James R. b. 1931 d. October 1, 1960 Auto Race Car Driver. A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, he had moved to Indianapolis on behalf of his racing career. Driving the #42 Stearly Motor Freight Special, he won a USAC championship car race at Springfield, Illinois on August 20, 1960. He then scored a sixth place finish at Milwaukee on August 28, and a fifth place finish at DuQuoin, Illinois on September 5. For these performances, he was considered one of the most promising drivers on the USAC Championship circuit when he...[Read More] (Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Floral Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA Plot: Section P, Garden of Prayer, Row 89, Grave 1
Rodee (Rodegher), Chuck (Charles) b. September 8, 1927 d. May 16, 1966 "Chuck Rodee" was the professional name for race car driver Charles J. Rodeghier. A 2-time veteran of the Indianapolis 500, he drove in USAC midget, sprint and championship car competition. He was killed during a qualification attempt at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 14, 1966. According to newspaper accounts, after striking the wall in the first turn, Rodee regained consciousness and indicated to his crew that a piece of paper or a rag blew across his face, causing him to lose control...[Read More] (Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Floral Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA Plot: Section V, Garden of Miracles, Lot 87, Grave 3
b. March 7, 1905 d. April 29, 1935